Fallen Heroes Memorial Perpetual Care Fund

 In 2016, by virtue of raising funds and conducting fundraising events, was able to construct the Fallen Heroes Memorial. The memorial pays tribute to the seven (7) Lakeland Police Department officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of their sworn duties to protect the citizens of Lakeland. The memorial is also a tribute to the officer’s families, whose lives were forever changed by the loss of their loved one. It is the intent of the foundation, to provide perpetual care for the Fallen Heroes Memorial, through the generous donations and fundraising events, to ensure we Respect, Honor and Remember the sacrifice of our Fallen. 

The Lakeland Police Foundation is committed to fostering and supporting the continued education of the past, present and future members of the Lakeland Police Department members and their children. Bi-Annually, the foundation seeks applications from LPD members for educational grants. Based on established criteria, the Board of Directors reviews the submitted applications and votes to approve the monetary grants bestowed to recipients. 

The Lakeland Police Foundation provides monetary support to the past, present and future members of the Lakeland Police Department and their children who have suffered financial shortfalls arising from job-related deaths, serious injuries, chronic and/or terminal illnesses, and natural disasters. It is the expectation of the Foundation that although its mission is directed toward members of the LPD family, that by supporting LPD members, LPD members will be generally strengthened such that the services they provide and the value they supply to the members of the community at large will also be strengthened.

 

Many citizens are not aware that when a police canine (K-9) retires after years of service to the Lakeland community, they are usually adopted by the Lakeland Police Department canine handler (officer) or other private citizens. As such, the LPD member or citizen who adopted the retired canine assumes all financial responsibility for the canine for the remainder of its life. Realizing the costs of care can place an enormous burden on the LPD member or citizen who volunteered to adopt the retired canine, the foundation established the Retired K-9 Care Program Assistance Fund. This fund provides monetary support, directly to approved veterinarian providers, for any critical care procedures provided to an adopted/retired LPD police canine.

 

The Lakeland Police Department's Explorer Program is designed for young adults who are interested in Law Enforcement as a possible career choice. Police Explorers receive training at weekly meetings and specially scheduled training sessions. As an Explorer, participants are trained in all areas of law enforcement including: 

· Traffic Stops, 

· Accident Investigations
· Crisis Intervention
· Domestic Violence
· First Aid
· Search and Arrest
. In-progress Calls
· Crime Scene Processing
· Criminal and State Statues

Also, each year Explorers compete in the State Explorers' Competition with other young adults from across Florida.

LPD Explorers attend a meeting every Monday from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at the Lakeland Police Department Training Center located at 3131 Centurion Drive. 

Explorers are also allowed to participate in ride-alongs with officers to learn and gain real-life experiences. Explorers must have reached the age of 16, completed the 40 hour Ride-Along Academy and have advisor approval. 

LPD Legacy Day is an annual event established as a mechanism to foster relationships between the Lakeland Police Department retirees and the agencies current officers. The foundations goal in hosting this event is to create an atmosphere where past and present officers can share their law enforcement experiences and create new friendships. 

 The Annual Retiree Luncheon is an event held in April of each year at the Lakeland Police Department Training Center and is usually attended by about 150 people, both active/retired. The foundation adopted this event in 2022 as an opportunity to show appreciation to our former Lakeland Police Department members (retirees) for the many years of service they provided to the department and the great Citizens of Lakeland. This event is held in conjunction with the Lakeland Police Department and the Lakeland Police Employees Association.